Different Types of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons

Over the past decade, the rate of cosmetic surgery procedures has skyrocketed in the United States. There are different types of doctors who specialize in cosmetic surgery:Facial plastic surgeons, Oculoplastic or Oculo-Facial surgeons, General Plastic surgeons.

Cosmetic&Plastic Surgeons

Facial Plastic Surgeons
Technically, the greatest challenge in plastic surgery is dealing with the face. These doctors are usually board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and exclusively treat the face. Facial Plastic Surgeons have completed a residency in otolaryngology and have spent an additional year learning about facial plastic surgery. They focus on correcting structural features of the face, repairing defects and injuries, and reversing the signs of aging. Facial Plastic Surgeons offer patients a very wide selection of facial improvements—from skin care treatments and products to minimally invasive enhancements and surgical procedures.

Oculoplastic or Oculo-Facial Surgeons

An oculoplastic surgeon performing revisional eyelid surgery. Doctors with this certification have completed a residency in ophthalmology and have spent an additional two years learning about
facial plastic surgery with a concentration on the eyelids. They are usually board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. Oculoplastic surgeons perform procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), repair of tear duct obstructions, cheek lifts (best performed through the inside of the lower eyelid), orbital fracture repairs, removal of tumors in and around the eyes. Many of these specialists have had extensive training in eyebrow and facelift surgery as well.

General Plastic Surgeons

These doctors are the traditional plastic surgeons who operated on every aspect of the body, mostly liposuction and breast augmentation. They are usually board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. General Plastic Surgeons have trained for five years in general surgery and have spent an additional two years learning about full-body plastic surgery.

Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons are in strong demand by the aging baby boomer population.